Spring Skier Rescued From The Northern Bridgers

Today, (Tuesday, June 4) at 12:14 p.m., the Livingston 911 center relayed a Back Country Rescue Call to Gallatin County.

A 27 year old male skier had collapsed during a climb near Ainger Lake (named for Fred Ainger a Forest Service Ranger in the Bridgers from 1906-1950) in the northern Bridger Mountains, about 8 miles north of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area.

Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Units were dispatched to the area by ground and started into the lake by foot and specialized ATVs.

By 1:11 p.m., after finding a safe route through the clouds, a paramedic from Summit Air Ambulance was able to reach the patient.

After moving him to the landing zone he was on his way to the hospital by 1:38 p.m.

One of the party of 3 skiers had medical training and they were able to get cell service to make the 911 call.

Sheriff Gootkin says that when going into the back country with someone, a method of communication can mean the difference between surviving and not.